Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Outdoor tv antenna
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bculli05
06-01-01, 02:36 PM
I have this huge tv antenna next to my house on this big pole. My question is, my reception is horrible and the motor is bad that turns the antenna, is there a certain direction that would work best to manually fix it or how hard would replacing the motor be? Its close to a foot away from the house with a very steep pitched roof. I have no idea how someone even put this thing up. Any suggestions besides getting cable. Ha Ha
Trying2Help
06-01-01, 03:04 PM
There is always satalite!!! I'm not sure what type of motor this thing has on it, is it a the top or bottom of the pole? I guess, my first try would be to put a pipe wrench on the pole and see if I could get it positioned this way. Is there any way, you might be able to lay the thing down to work on it?
In my younger days, I remember Dad sending me up on the roof to manually adjust our antenna. Even sometimes on stormy nights, when Mom wasn't home and I didn't event think it needed to be adjusted????? :) :)
Good luck.
In my younger days, I remember Dad sending me up on the roof to manually adjust our antenna. Even sometimes on stormy nights, when Mom wasn't home and I didn't event think it needed to be adjusted????? :) :)
Good luck.
Smokey
06-02-01, 07:40 AM
Good Morning, bculli05:
When a rotor is present in an antenna installation, it is a good indication that the antenna did not perform well in a single direction. Therefore, you can assume that the transmitting sites are in a "spread pattern" from the location of the house.
Will turning the antenna manually solve your problem? It may clear one channel and make a couple of others terrible.
That's one of those questions that can only be answered by trying it.
Rotor replacement? It may not be the motor and could very well be the control box in the house. On older units, we have made repairs to the power supply to correct the problem. If you elect to replace the rotor, however, Radio Shack's "Archer series" is a good choice. These are all made by good manufacturers (such as Alliance) and are very durable.
Don't discount the possibility of a bad control cable from the motor to the control unit. These can be 3-4-5 wires and have been known to break down after years of exposure to the elements. Usually a visual indication will determine its condition. You can use an ohmmeter on the disconnected wires from the control unit and should read continuity between all wires (reading the motor windings).
Getting to the thing sounds chancy. I have in a lot of situations just propped the extension ladder on the mast.
Smokey ;)
When a rotor is present in an antenna installation, it is a good indication that the antenna did not perform well in a single direction. Therefore, you can assume that the transmitting sites are in a "spread pattern" from the location of the house.
Will turning the antenna manually solve your problem? It may clear one channel and make a couple of others terrible.
That's one of those questions that can only be answered by trying it.
Rotor replacement? It may not be the motor and could very well be the control box in the house. On older units, we have made repairs to the power supply to correct the problem. If you elect to replace the rotor, however, Radio Shack's "Archer series" is a good choice. These are all made by good manufacturers (such as Alliance) and are very durable.
Don't discount the possibility of a bad control cable from the motor to the control unit. These can be 3-4-5 wires and have been known to break down after years of exposure to the elements. Usually a visual indication will determine its condition. You can use an ohmmeter on the disconnected wires from the control unit and should read continuity between all wires (reading the motor windings).
Getting to the thing sounds chancy. I have in a lot of situations just propped the extension ladder on the mast.
Smokey ;)
Bob M
06-16-01, 06:06 PM
Hi guys;
Just cruised by and found your posts. I would suggest that you confirm that there is power going to the rotor motor first. You will be suprised how many people assume (!) something has gone wrong and the unit has no power. Since it is a previous installation to your ownership the previous owner may have unplugged or disonnected the power source for some reason. Sometimes going to the website of the manufacturer will give some insight at the FAQ's for troubleshooting.
Also, be wary of some of these satelite systems. The dealers will gladly sell them to you and laud their channels, but reality is different. If you live in a area with a lot of trees, buildings, etc. signal reception will be difficult and result in a low signal reception. You need,in the Northeast anyway, a good unobsured,line of sight to the southwest,english speaking channels,southeast for international. Go to the companies sites and obtain their zipcode.exe file. This will help you to determine if the signal can be received in your area.
Input your address zipcode and get the azimuth and elevation numbers indicated for your code and desired programming and unit. Get a good compass and sight on the azimuth (bearing),use a protractor for elevation. This will be approximate where the antenna will aim and give you a consideration of any obstacles in the line of sight.
Also, get in writing from the company what you will receive in the way of channels , units, and pricing. I recently had a experience with Dish Network in which I was quoted prices, units, and installation over the phone and, after a 30 minute conversation and a request for constant repeats of the details of receiving the service, accepted the quotes. On the day of installation they upped the prices, and cut the units without previously telling me. This was even after two calls, from them, confirming the agreement, prices,installation and terms I had accepted.
A call and prolonged conversation with the customer service and billing departments and supervisor thereat resulted in my being told that I misunderstood the agreement and would be stuck with what I received or pay the termination fees. Even after I quoted the ads in the NYTimes, Website, and Sears brocures, regarding what I was ordering, I was told" I don't know where you are getting your information, but it's wrong". Thankfully, there was no line of sight determined and installation couldn't be completed. Oh also, the installer stated that the company has used this tactic before and that it has happened to him before, even as recent as the installation previous to mine. So be wary of them ! Have them fax you copies of what you are to receive before agreeing over the phone, or do it in person at a distributor.
Just passed this on as information for consideration and information to all. Sorry about the length of the post.
[Edited by Bob M on 06-16-01 at 09:13]
Just cruised by and found your posts. I would suggest that you confirm that there is power going to the rotor motor first. You will be suprised how many people assume (!) something has gone wrong and the unit has no power. Since it is a previous installation to your ownership the previous owner may have unplugged or disonnected the power source for some reason. Sometimes going to the website of the manufacturer will give some insight at the FAQ's for troubleshooting.
Also, be wary of some of these satelite systems. The dealers will gladly sell them to you and laud their channels, but reality is different. If you live in a area with a lot of trees, buildings, etc. signal reception will be difficult and result in a low signal reception. You need,in the Northeast anyway, a good unobsured,line of sight to the southwest,english speaking channels,southeast for international. Go to the companies sites and obtain their zipcode.exe file. This will help you to determine if the signal can be received in your area.
Input your address zipcode and get the azimuth and elevation numbers indicated for your code and desired programming and unit. Get a good compass and sight on the azimuth (bearing),use a protractor for elevation. This will be approximate where the antenna will aim and give you a consideration of any obstacles in the line of sight.
Also, get in writing from the company what you will receive in the way of channels , units, and pricing. I recently had a experience with Dish Network in which I was quoted prices, units, and installation over the phone and, after a 30 minute conversation and a request for constant repeats of the details of receiving the service, accepted the quotes. On the day of installation they upped the prices, and cut the units without previously telling me. This was even after two calls, from them, confirming the agreement, prices,installation and terms I had accepted.
A call and prolonged conversation with the customer service and billing departments and supervisor thereat resulted in my being told that I misunderstood the agreement and would be stuck with what I received or pay the termination fees. Even after I quoted the ads in the NYTimes, Website, and Sears brocures, regarding what I was ordering, I was told" I don't know where you are getting your information, but it's wrong". Thankfully, there was no line of sight determined and installation couldn't be completed. Oh also, the installer stated that the company has used this tactic before and that it has happened to him before, even as recent as the installation previous to mine. So be wary of them ! Have them fax you copies of what you are to receive before agreeing over the phone, or do it in person at a distributor.
Just passed this on as information for consideration and information to all. Sorry about the length of the post.
[Edited by Bob M on 06-16-01 at 09:13]
Smokey
06-16-01, 07:34 PM
Good Evening, Bob M:
I'm certain this is all good information but what has it to do with the problem that the customer wrote about? We all assume the customer has the device plugged into the electrical outlet.
Your things about satellite information are better sent as a separate thread. I often put in items that expect no response as a handy item for those reading this site.
We do appreciate your input and hope that you continue to contribute to the sites. Our members are valued and we hope to direct their talents to the right outlets.
Have a great day.
Smokey ;)
I'm certain this is all good information but what has it to do with the problem that the customer wrote about? We all assume the customer has the device plugged into the electrical outlet.
Your things about satellite information are better sent as a separate thread. I often put in items that expect no response as a handy item for those reading this site.
We do appreciate your input and hope that you continue to contribute to the sites. Our members are valued and we hope to direct their talents to the right outlets.
Have a great day.
Smokey ;)
Bob M
06-16-01, 10:23 PM
Smokey;
Just thought that I would throw in my 2 cents and ask the obvious problem first. I know we assume that there is power, but many times the obvious is overlooked and unless addressed may lead to unnecessary troubleshooting that may lead to real heartache! My old training was to start at the obvious and work from there and assume nothing. LOL!!!
Sorry about the tangent from the question though. Yes, you are right about it being a seperate thread for the satellite problem, but I never considered it at the time of writing. No slight was meant on any information ever given here but through it in as a word of caution. Lord knows that I have received some help here at this site,am not ashamed to admitt it, and will continue to ask for help here as long as I need it.
Just thought that I would throw in my 2 cents and ask the obvious problem first. I know we assume that there is power, but many times the obvious is overlooked and unless addressed may lead to unnecessary troubleshooting that may lead to real heartache! My old training was to start at the obvious and work from there and assume nothing. LOL!!!
Sorry about the tangent from the question though. Yes, you are right about it being a seperate thread for the satellite problem, but I never considered it at the time of writing. No slight was meant on any information ever given here but through it in as a word of caution. Lord knows that I have received some help here at this site,am not ashamed to admitt it, and will continue to ask for help here as long as I need it.